Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War, page 9
“Out with it, Peggy.”
She had gone too far to retreat now. “I have debated whether or not to bring this to you. If an Army Air Corps officer tells you not to mention something, but you don’t even know what that something is, would it be disobeying an order to say something?”
“Because you mentioned Texas, I’ll assume the officer in question is Major Berg. Since you’re bothered, tell me what this is about.”
“I—we were under the impression that…the officer had come along to gain a better understanding of what the WASPs do.” It might be best not to use his name just in case. “We were there for only a few minutes when a car came and took the officer away. He returned over three hours later with a briefcase he hadn’t had before. When I asked him about it, he said I shouldn’t mention it. I don’t believe he was doing or would do anything wrong, but I felt derelict in my duties not to mention it. I don’t want to get him into any kind of trouble.”
Babs remained silent for several heartbeats. “I told Jackie when she handpicked the three of you, that at least one of you would notice something.”
“Jackie Cochran? Handpicked me?” Peggy had no idea the head of the WASP even knew of her.
“Yes. I can assure you that the reasons for Major Berg to be in Texas go up to the highest clearances. You have nothing to worry about. Did you voice your concerns to Nightingale or Brownie?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Do you believe they suspected anything?”
“Neither of them acted as though they did. Should I have not brought this up? Should I have let this go?”
“We all need to let our consciences be our guides. One of the things I appreciate about you is your honesty and your compassion for others.”
Comforted after her talk with Babs, Peggy headed back to the hangar. She couldn’t believe that Jackie Cochran even knew her name, let alone thought so highly of her as to recommend her for such an important mission.
Peggy entered the hangar where Jolene had removed the engine cover of the Brewster F2A Buffalo and worked inside the compartment. After the tow target debacle, the Buffalo had seemed fine. Not all of the damage had revealed itself right away. “How does it look in there?”
Jolene removed her head from inside the craft. “Not too bad. I would guess that it was partially from fatigue, and the maneuvers required during the flight, which hastened its demise. Would you hand me a three-eighths wrench?”
Peggy passed her the tool. “That means, the tow incident wasn’t the downfall of this craft. Things wear out. It’s good to have caught it now rather than have it fail in the air.”
Jolene waggled the wrench. “Incident? Stupidity is more like it.”
Peggy had to agree but being too disparaging and keeping the incident fresh in everyone’s mind would only serve to widen the divide between the WASPs and their male army counterparts. No one would benefit from that. “I’m just grateful no one was hurt worse and things turned out all right.”
Brownie approached. “I’m worried about Edith.” Edith was one of the youngest WASPs.
Peggy gave Brownie her full attention. “What’s wrong?”
“I think she’s going to drop out of the WASP program.”
Jolene stopped her work. “She can’t do that.”
“Why would she want to quit?” Peggy had noticed the young woman was a bit melancholy.
“She’s terribly homesick and cries most nights.”
Jolene nodded. “I’ve heard her too.”
The poor kid. For some of the WASPs, this was the first time they had been away from home. Many were far, far from their loved ones. Unlike Peggy and her husband, who had been able to move her mom and their daughters to the greater DC area. “I would hate to see her quit. She’s an excellent pilot.”
Jolene set aside the wrench. “Not to mention the irreparable damage it would do to the WASP reputation.”
Brownie tilted her head. “Reputation?”
Jolene thinned her lips. “If she quits, it will look bad on all of us. It will prove everyone’s point that we women shouldn’t fly.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Brownie turned her attention on Peggy for her reaction.
That idea had been forming in Peggy’s head as Jolene spoke it. “She probably just misses her family.” Homesickness generally passed if given enough time. The key was to hold out until the strong desire to flee melted away. “What if I invite her over this weekend for a get-together. It might help her endure her loneliness. Of course, you two are invited.”
Brownie flashed a smile. “That sounds like fun. Should we invite any of the other WASPs?”
With only ten, Peggy didn’t want to leave some out. “We’ll invite all of them stationed at Bolling.” She knew that a couple of them wouldn’t come for their own reasons, whether it was family nearby or clashing personalities.
Jolene glanced around the hangar at the various male mechanics working on their projects. “What about the men on the maintenance crew? I know some of them are missing home.”
“We’ll invite them too. My backyard isn’t huge, but I don’t think people will mind. A break from our normal routines will be good for morale.” The mere thought had already boosted Peggy’s.
Brownie shifted her weight to her uninjured foot. “We could have each person bring a different type of food to share.”
Jolene’s eyes brightened. “Great idea. Do we want to make a list so people don’t all bring the same dishes?”
Pleased to have her friends excited, Peggy didn’t want to make this complicated with a list. “It might be harder for some to make a dish than others. I think whatever people bring will be fine. If we have all desserts or something, then that tells me we all sort of need a dessert day. We’ll enjoy whatever is provided.”
Brownie nodded. “We’ll let the Lord sort out what people bring.”
Didn’t God have more important things to worry about?
Jolene pinned Peggy with her gaze. “Can I announce the invitation in here, right now?”
The sooner people knew, the more time they would have to figure out what to bring. “That’s fine with me.”
Jolene stepped away from the Buffalo she had been working on. “Hey, everyone. Mama Bird is inviting all of you to her backyard for a get-together on Saturday afternoon. All the WASPs and those in the hangar are invited. Bring whatever food you can spare.”
Cheers rose from around the room.
Simply being invited was already lifting people’s attitudes. Someone called out, “Everyone here is invited?”
“Every—” Jolene halted.
Why? Peggy knew not everyone got along but all were welcome. “Everyone is invited.”
That same person pointed. “Even them?”
She didn’t want anyone to feel left out. “Of course.” Peggy turned to see whom the soldier referred to. Major Berg stood with two captains. He studied her as though he wasn’t sure she’d meant it. Enlisted and officers socializing together? Maybe not the best idea, but not unheard of. She couldn’t very well take back her invitation. “Yes, they’re welcome too.” But would they come? Surprisingly, she hoped so.
She held the major’s gaze to try to read whether or not he would come.
He gave her a nod before turning his attention back to the two captains with him.
What had that nod meant? Yes, he planned to come? Or was it a nod of approval for inviting people to help boost morale?
Hopefully, both.
CHAPTER 11
17 September 1944, 0739 GMT
US Navy Sinks German U-boat attempting to enter the Gulf of Mexico.
On Saturday, Peggy stood in her kitchen, preparing a couple of dishes to take out into the backyard. Her insides twitched. She couldn’t believe the thrill she felt at the prospect Major Berg might come today.
When she had invited the WASPs and maintenance crews to her home, she hadn’t realized Major Berg, Captain Cooper, and Captain Lewiston were in the hangar. She couldn’t very well withdraw the invitation. Nor did she want to, surprisingly. None of the three had said they would come, but they also didn’t decline the invitation. Not that any of them had much of a chance to, given they were dealing with the Great Atlantic Hurricane that had rushed up the Eastern Seaboard. Peggy, along with every able-bodied pilot in the area, had flown the Army Air Corps and US Navy aircraft inland until the risk was over. Fortunately the threat had passed in time to still hold the gathering in her backyard.
The major and Captain Lewiston were both bachelors, and Captain Cooper’s wife was out of town. This barbecue was good for morale. Most of the WASPs lived in barracks at Bolling Field. The event would give them a chance for a change of scenery because Peggy lived in Oxen Hill, Maryland, just outside the airfield.
How could she be this nervous? She saw the major all the time at Bolling Field. But he’d never been to her home. She should have spoken to him and told him that she hadn’t meant to invite him and the other two officers. He would have understood, wouldn’t he? But the truth was a part of her wanted him to come, and if he came, it was best a couple of other officers came as well so it didn’t appear as though there was something between herself and the major. Because there wasn’t.
WASPs were strongly discouraged from developing romantic entanglements with the army men. It could cause serious issues between the men and women and strain relations between the two organizations, the Army Air Corps and the WASP. It had been a long, hard-fought battle for women to fly military aircraft. No one wanted to jeopardize the state of the organization. Also most of the female pilots were serious about the work they accomplished. They didn’t want to risk being dismissed for conduct unbecoming a WASP.
Peggy’s daughters ran into the kitchen. Her oldest said, “A bunch of people just came.”
Peggy went to the living room and peered out the front window. A bus with Bolling Airfield stenciled on the side sat parked on the street, and over a dozen WASPs and maintenance crew poured out, each carrying some sort of food. Even with ration books, it appeared everyone was generous.
She studied the disembarking occupants of the bus. No Major Berg. Disappointment settled heavily on her. He must have realized it would be best if he and the captains didn’t attend. Of course if they decided to come, as officers they wouldn’t have ridden the bus but would have requisitioned a car from the motor pool.
She stepped out the front door and pointed to the side. “Go through the gate. Tables are set up in the back.”
The gaggle of people chattered as they headed around the house.
Peggy approached Brownie, who limped along. “How did your doctor’s appointment go yesterday?”
“Almost better. The doc said to be careful for a couple of more weeks and limited my use of it. I can’t wait to be walking normally again.”
“I’m glad you’re following doctor’s orders so you heal properly.”
“Has nothing to do with the doctors. Poole threatened to separate me from the WASP program altogether and send me home if I reinjured myself.”
Being separated from the program was a mighty deterrent. “I have a chair with a footstool for you in the back.”
Jolene gave her a nod. “I’ll see that she gets there, and I’ll boot anyone off who took her spot.”
The WASPs looked out for one another. She liked that about them. They were like a family. Peggy returned to the kitchen, gathered her food offerings, and headed out to the backyard. She shouldn’t be this disappointed over the major not showing up. What was it about the man that had tangled him up in her thoughts? A few more soldiers arrived, a couple with their wives and children.
Minutes later, several people stood at attention, and one of them said, “Yard, atten-hut.” Which caused the remainder of the people, including Peggy, to jolt to attention and snap a salute.
Her heart sped up and her insides smiled at the sight of Major Berg.
The major waved his cane. “None of that today. At ease. I’m just Howie. Same goes for the captains.”
Peggy relaxed.
Some smart aleck called out, “Their names are Howie too?”
The major smiled and shook his head.
One captain said, “Joe will do for today.”
“I think I prefer Howie to my name,” the other captain said. “But that will get confusing, so you may call me your majesty.” With a wave of his hand, he made a flourishing bow.
Howie shook his head. “He’s Elmer.”
He glared at his superior sideways. “That’s King Elmer.”
Someone threw a crumpled napkin at him, and several others laughed.
Peggy breathed deeply of contentment. This was what this gathering was about, allowing everyone to unwind and raise people’s spirits.
Major Berg strolled over to her. “I hope you don’t mind that we came. I know it’s unorthodox, but I thought they could use the change of scenery. Everyone’s tense with this war.”
“Major, I’m glad you three came.” Though her pleasure was mostly for his attendance. “I wanted this to be a morale booster.”
“It’s Howie for today, and I think you’ve succeeded.”
She didn’t know if she should be thinking of him by his first name. Using major kept things professional and her heart reined in. “All right.” However, she would be careful not to use either Howie or major.
An hour later, her youngest daughter stood under the large elm tree and wailed, “I want my dolly!” Then she screeched her words: “I—Want—Penelope!”
Sergeant Kent’s eleven-year-old son had thrown Junie’s rag doll up into the tree. The sergeant went over to his son who was taunting Junie and scolded him.
Suddenly her daughter stopped crying.
Major Berg—Howie—stood next to Junie.
Peggy walked over. “Sweetie, it’s all right. We’ll borrow Mr. Sawyer’s ladder later and get her down.”
“No, Mommy. Mr. Howie will get my dolly.”
Howie gazed right at Peggy. “Do you mind if I try?”
The major wouldn’t be able to climb up and get it. Not with his bum leg. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
“No one asked. I offered.” He gazed at her with his molten gray eyes, and she melted.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Should she tell him no for his own safety? Or let him try? Certainly, he knew his limitations. “If you’re sure, then I guess so.” She bit her bottom lip in anticipation of the risk he would be taking.
He pointed to a place in the grass directly below where the doll hung precariously by one foot. “Stand right there.”
Junie moved to the spot, her blue eyes wide in expectation.
Howie shifted his weight and balanced on his good leg. Then he lifted his cane into the branches.
Peggy smiled. Smart of him. No climbing necessary.
He spoke to her five-year-old. “Get ready to catch her.”
With big round eyes, Junie thrust her arms out wide. Too far apart to have any hope of catching her doll.
Peggy crouched beside her daughter and adjusted her small arms to form a cradle.
Howie angled his cane toward the target. “Ready?”
Her little girl nodded.
He poked at the doll with the tip of his cane.
The foot came free, and dolly dropped into Junie’s waiting arms. She hugged it to her chest.
Everyone clapped and cheered.
Howie lowered his cane to the ground and hopped a little to retain his balance, then bowed.
Junie turned to her. “Mommy, he saved Penelope.”
Peggy had seen. A regular hero. “I saw. Did you thank him?”
Her little girl ran over to the major. “Thank you for saving Penelope.” With the doll in one hand, she threw her arms around his midsection.
Peggy gasped and hoped her daughter didn’t knock him over, but he remained steady.
Howie smiled down at the five-year-old. “You are very welcome.”
The rest of the afternoon, Junie stayed close to the major, even sitting on his lap. She brought him a book, which he was now reading to her.
Her baby girl missed having her daddy, though Peggy wasn’t sure how much her daughter remembered of her father. She’d been three the last time she saw him. It was sweet of the major to be so kind to her daughter.
Howie finished the story and closed the book. “The end.”
Junie gazed up at him and blinked. “My daddy died in the war.”
What had brought that up? “I know. I’m sorry you lost your daddy, but I’m sure he fought bravely.”
The little girl snatched the book, scooted off his lap, and ran inside.
Should he have not said so much to her comment about her father? Or had he done something wrong in how he read the story?
Peggy strolled over. “Thank you for being so kind to her.”
He stood as he’d been taught to when a lady was standing. “She’s a darling. She’s going to break a few hearts when she gets older.”
“I’m not ready for her to grow up that fast. She’s going to be my little girl until she’s thirty.”
He chuckled. His own parents had said similar things about his sister until she became a difficult teenager. “Did I do something wrong to make her run away like that?”
Peggy flashed him a beautiful smile. “On the contrary. She loved having you read to her. She delights in any and all attention.”
But the child ran away. He didn’t understand. “Then what happened?”
“She’s getting another book.”
How could Peggy know that? He liked thinking of her by her first name.
Junie ran out the back door with three books in her hands. When she reached Howie, she pushed on her mother’s thigh. “Move, Mommy. He has to sit down.” The blue-eyed imp gazed up at him. Eyes the color of her mother’s.
Peggy stepped aside and shrugged as though saying, I told you.
He chuckled and sat.
The little girl scurried onto Howie’s lap again. “Read this one.”
